(Business in Cameroon) – On July 23, the Autonomous Port of Douala (PAD) took delivery of two new ASD 3010 tugs with 60-tonne towing capacity. Transport Minister Jean Ernest Massena Ngallè Bibehè attended the handover. PAD purchased the vessels from Dutch shipbuilder Damen for CFA11.6 billion for its tug operation unit, Delegated Towage Management (RDR).
The two tugs bear the names Emmanuel Mbela Lifafe Endeley and John Ngu Foncha, honoring notable Cameroonian statesmen and pioneers of nationalism and federalism. They will replace parts of an aging fleet averaging 25 years old. The new additions raise the total number of RDR-operated tugs to seven since RDR began operations in 2021 after failed talks between PAD and former Spanish concessionaire Boluda.
Since PAD took control of tug services, RDR has delivered strong results. It posted FCFA 4.34 billion in revenue in 2021, a 17% rise over the CFA3.89 billion generated by Boluda in 2020. At the same time, PAD collected CFA450 million in fixed royalties and CFA217 million in variable royalties.
Between 2021 and 2024, RDR’s turnover surged 42% to CFA6.1 billion. Fixed charges rose 22%, while variable charges jumped 184%, reaching CFA1.1 billion. These improved figures contributed directly to the PAD’s enhanced overall performance. PAD Managing Director Cyrus Ngo’o highlighted this positive trend and linked it to the acquisition of the new tugs.
The new vessels will improve port operations by helping ships dock and depart more efficiently, especially those unable to maneuver alone. This move fits within PAD’s broader fleet renewal program, which has been underway for several years to modernize its nautical equipment.
This article was initially published in French by Frédéric Nonos
Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum
